As part of our new “Room with A View” series, we’re heading into the woods for a special look at our “over the treetop” accommodations at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Perched 10 feet off the ground in a lush landscape, sit the beloved Treehouse Villas, part of the Disney Vacation Club. I treasure the peaceful stillness of the landscape and the tranquil views of the Sassagoula River. It takes you to a quiet place and makes you feel like you are a hundred miles from the theme parks, when you are actually just a boat ride away from Downtown Disney. There are 60 rustic, home away-from-homes with lots of privacy and extra space ideal if you’re traveling with a large family, or have an extended stay. And who doesn’t love the idea of sleeping in a treehouse? I was so psyched when they opened in 2009, I took my family there for a weekend getaway. Imagine staying at a lakeside cabin in an upstate New York state park – albeit a fancy cabin with four TVs and granite counters. The experience is a nice pause from the hectic pace of daily life.

Inside the three-bedroom villas (photos and video from villa 7026), earth-tone colors, wood accents and natural light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows complement the rustic retreat. Nature is woven in the artwork and furniture in creative ways — like a tree branch as the base for a lamp, leafy pillows and a family-size wooden kitchen table, bench and chairs. A Hidden Mickey can be spotted in an end table created by three tree stumps. All the treehouses have two guestrooms with two queen-size beds each, and a room for the kids with bunk beds. There’s also a full kitchen in case you want to cook, contemporary amenities and a nice-size living area, which really makes it feel like home. The oversized porch is another gem and the ideal place to kick back, watch the sunset and take in the amazing view.

We recently shared on the Disney Parks Blog an enchanting new dining offering fit for a princess at Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. So now modern day princesses can be prepped and ready for this regal celebration with a royal makeover – conveniently located at the Ivy Trellis Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Beginning January 8, 2015, there’s a new Perfectly Prepared Princess Package featuring shimmery make-up, glittery nails, and hair styling crowned with a fancy tiara. Sounds divine!

Prices start at $50 for princess hairdo, glitter and a tiara; add a little princess glow make-up for $25 more. Option three includes hair, make-up and a fancy manicure for $90. Kids ages 4-12 can get their princess on with The Perfectly Prepared Princess Package that’s also available at the Coronado Springs Casa de Belleza Beauty Salon and at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort Ship Shape Salon. Reservations will open on December 22, 407-WDW-SPAS.

From the savannah room, you can see African animals and tropical birds on the nearby savannah. There’s actually 30 species of African wildlife including giraffe, zebra and greater kudu that roam right before your eyes.

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It’s so serene and exotic – unlike any other resort in Orlando. And the view inside this room is pretty amazing too. It feels authentic and captures the artistry of African craftsmanship with hand-carved woodwork and rich colors woven in textured fabrics.

You can book this room now at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. To find prices and availability, visit our Disneyworld.com page.

There are so many views to share with you so stay tuned to the next resort we showcase in our Disney Parks Blog Room with a View series.

The sweeping renovation, happening now, also includes a new food and beverage experience opening for guests next year, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto — based on the popular themed lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. There’s going to be lots more updates on this beachside family favorite, so stay tuned.

In its second year of operation, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort continues to surprise and delight guests with its animation-inspired design, whimsical amenities and spacious suites ideal for families. As part of our ongoing resort series, here’s the inside scoop on this highly popular Walt Disney World Resort hotel that immerses guests into classic Disney and Disney•Pixar films, in a big way! John Graham will share 10 things you might not know about this magical Disney resort.

The beauty of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is that it is truly timeless. Inspired by the Victorian-era beach resorts built along Florida’s east coast during the turn of the century, the Grand remains the crown jewel at Walt Disney World Resort. The luxury resort opened in 1988, but like a fine wine it improves over time. It magically blends the new – like the Disney Vacation Club Villas, and Senses, a Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – while remaining true to its opulent theming and heritage we all know and love. I am sure there are plenty of things you already know about this magical and memorable resort. As part of our resort series, here’s a look at the top 10 things you may not know about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Here’s to making new memories in 2014!

The flavors of the season – Champagne, strawberries and chocolate mousse — are just a few of decadent ingredients in the new spa offerings at Senses – a Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. From January 1- February 28, these tasty treatments debut just in time for the new year at both Senses spa locations. I guess I have always reserved Champagne for New Year’s Eve, but it’s time to indulge. These fabulous treatments will really tantalize your taste buds and all your senses. There’s Chocolate and Strawberry Facial to tone, tighten and detoxify, a Mimosa Champagne Scrub and Body Wrap that hydrates and refines and a Mimosa Champagne and Chocolate Pedicure to give your tootsies some pampering. My mouth is watering over the Chocolate Truffle Body Wrap, created to reduce wrinkles and hydrate with rich chocolate. Yummy. It’s a perfect refresh for the new year after the stress and tension of the busy holiday season. I can see a radiant, revitalized and sweeter “new me” as I am wrapped in chocolate from head to toe. What a treat! Check out the site for a menu of offerings.

Aloha! Disney’s Polynesian Resort opened in 1971 as one of the first on-site hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort. The South Pacific paradise is a favorite among Disney guests with its famous Polynesian luau – and it was actually the first Disney resort I ever stayed at. I just loved the warmth of the Polynesian as it truly reflects the spirit of the islands.

As part of our resort series, here’s a look at the top ten things you might not know about Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

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As I have mentioned in past posts, the new spa’s nature-inspired theme harmonizes nicely with Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. As an Aquarius, the tranquil water elements of this rustic sanctuary really draw me in. I also like the sweet hummingbirds that are woven throughout the design, almost like Hidden Mickeys. According to the spa’s storyline, the hummingbird symbolizes peace, love and happiness, which I believe the spa will deliver with its host of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. So come on in, or take a look at the newest images of Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

Guests may call 407-WDW-SPAS to book an appointment or visit Disneyworld.com/spas for more information.

I have always loved how Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa captures the essence of seaside resorts of the Victorian era – a playful blend of nostalgia and modernism. I reflect back when the “Grand” first opened its doors 25 years ago today. I was lucky enough to be invited to the media VIP preview June 26, 1988, as a young journalist. The opulent resort made a dramatic first impression — a black tie gala with VIPs like Burt Reynolds, Governor Bob Martinez, the late Frank Wells and several of NASA’s original Mercury 7 astronauts in attendance. It was a night I will always remember. With its snow white towers and red shingled roofs, Disney’s five-story Grand Floridian remains the crown jewel of Walt Disney World Resort.

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Nestled along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the 900 room flagship resort is a throwback to the splendor of an era long gone — like the resorts built by Henry Flagler at the end of the 19th century. While the resort has been enhanced through the years with a convention center, a spa and health club, Citricos, Victoria & Albert’s, a themed pool, suites and so much more, it never lost its elegance. A perfect snapshot of Florida’s past.

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